Elvira M. Kanz, 84, passed away on Thursday morning, October 30, 2014 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Born October 17, 1930, in the Town of Schleswig, she was the daughter of Ed and Hilda (Ruh) Mathes. She graduated from Kiel High School with the class of 1948. Before her marriage, she worked as a telephone operator and a waitress. She also worked at Stoelting Company and Delta Publications in later years. She married the love of her life, Darwin Kanz on February 27, 1960 at St. Peter’s U.C.C. where she was a lifetime active member. She sang in the choir and was especially proud to teach Sunday School at St. Peter's. She enjoyed spending time with her family – attending her children & grandchildren’s sporting events, shopping trips with her daughter and playing with her great-grandchildren. She was a charter member of the Kiel Chapter of Jaycettes where she served as President. She was also an avid reader. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Darwin. One daughter; Kathleen White of Godfrey, IL. Two sons; Mark (Lisa) Kanz, and their children, Chelsea Kanz, Evan Kanz and Spencer Kanz all of Luxemburg, David (Brenda) Kanz of Sheboygan and their children, Jana (Rev. Timothy) Chase of Dodge Center, MN, Joshua Koren, Jessica Kanz and Jacob Kanz, all of Sheboygan, and 4 great-grand children; Norah, Margaret, Aaron and Annabelle Chase all of Dodge Center, MN. One sister; Elaine Brill (Vern Malchow) of Suamico, two brothers; Will (Lora) Mathes of Kiel, Hal (Clara) Mathes of Tremont, IL. Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Jack (Jean) Kohls, Cascade, John (Carol) Kanz, Crivitz, Dennis (Nedra) Kanz, Sheboygan, Ken(Ruth) Kanz, Hingham, Barbara (Gary) Genske, Sheboygan, Cheryl (Paul) Stranberg, Austintown, OH, Harold (Helen) Kanz , Clintonville and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, her siblings; Earl Mathes, June Wagy, Bernice Gutche, sisters-in-law and brother in laws; Betty Mathes, Geri Schneider Mathes, Gerald Brill, Marvin “Pete” Gutche, Darlene Kohls. Funeral Services for Elvira will be held at 11:00am on Monday November 3, 2014 at St. Peter's UCC (424 Fremont St. Kiel) with Rev. Judine Duerwaechter officiating. Burial will take place in the Schleswig Cemetery, Rockville. Family and friends may call at the Meiselwitz-Vollstedt Funeral Home (815 6th St. Kiel) on Sunday from 3:00pm until 7:00pm and on Monday at the church from 10:00am until the time of services. There will be no viewing prior to services on Monday, only greeting of family. Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Sunday. Elvira's family would like to thank the caring staff at Affinity Hospice, especially Chaplain Cliff Mast & Nurse Barbie Johnson, for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Elvira and her family. Memorials are appreciated to the Manitowoc County Domestic Violence Center or Affinity Hospice in Elvira's name.